BERLIN – Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, called for sustained global commitment, stronger international ties and continued resource mobilisation to eliminate polio, the need for collective action to protect every child from the crippling disease.
Addressing global health leaders at World Health Summit 2026 in Berlin, Ayesha Farooq stressed that despite major progress towards eradication, continued international cooperation and unwavering political commitment remain essential to overcoming the final challenges.
She participated in Global Health Lab session titled “Polio at a Crossroads: Sustaining Political Commitment for Eradication and Immunization,” held on October 12. The discussion brought together leading figures in global health to examine the challenges facing eradication efforts and the importance of maintaining momentum in immunisation programmes.
The session was moderated by Beate Kampmann and featured Omar Abdi, Jamal Ahmed, Kathleen Neuzil and Birgit Pickel, alongside Farooq.
PM’s focal person stressed that the complete eradication of polio requires sustained financial support, effective coordination among international partners and continued investment in immunisation systems. She underscored that gains made against the disease must be protected through consistent efforts, particularly in countries where the virus continues to circulate.
She also highlighted contribution of frontline health workers, calling polio workers a vital link between communities and healthcare facilities. These workers, particularly women involved in vaccination campaigns, play a crucial role in building public trust, addressing community concerns and ensuring that vaccines reach children in every household.
She stressed that strengthening routine immunisation systems and healthcare infrastructure is equally important to achieving eradication, particularly in areas affected by conflict, limited access to health services and competing public health priorities.
Pakistan made progress in reducing polio transmission, with one case reported in 2026 at the time of Farooq’s remarks, compared with 31 cases in 2025 and approximately 74 in 2024. However, the country remains one of the two countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic, alongside neighbouring Afghanistan.
The decline in cases shows progress, but the presence of the virus needs high vaccination coverage, strengthening surveillance and ensuring uninterrupted immunisation activities.
Through the National Emergency Operations Centre (National EOC), Pakistan continues to coordinate polio eradication activities in collaboration with federal and provincial authorities and international partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
World Health Summit 2026, held in Berlin from October 11 to 13 under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health,” provided a platform for policymakers, researchers and health professionals from around the world to discuss pressing global health challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
